India rebukes Pakistan’s ‘fabricated narratives’ at UNHRC

India has slammed Pakistan as the epicentre of terrorism at the UN Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva. Secretary (East) in the India’s Ministry of External Affairs Vijay Thakur Singh said the world is very much aware of the false narratives coming from the epicentre of terrorism.

She accused Islamabad of running commentary with offensive rhetoric of false allegations and concocted charges against New Delhi.

She said that the recent legislative measures taken by India within the framework of its Constitution will ensure that the progressive measures will also be fully applicable to its citizens in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.

India reiterated that this sovereign decision, like other legislations passed by Parliament, is entirely internal to India and no country can accept interference in its internal affairs.

Vijay Thakur Singh said, temporary preventive and precautionary measures were necessitated to ensure safety and security of the citizens in the face of credible threats of cross-border terrorism. She said, despite challenging circumstances, Jammu and Kashmir’s Civil Administration is ensuring basic services, essential supplies, normal functioning of institutions, mobility and nearly full connectivity. Democratic processes have been initiated. Restrictions are being eased continuously.

Appealing the international community to work together in the fight against terrorism and their sponsors, India said, terrorism poses a grave challenge to the commitment of the international community to protect the right to life and security of people globally and it is extinguishing innocent lives and spreading fear and uncertainty.

Ms Singh said, those who abet, finance and support terrorism in any form on territory under their control are in truth the worst violators of human rights. She said, the world, in particular India, has suffered greatly on account of the activities by practitioners of state-sponsored terrorism and it is time to collectively take decisive and firm action against terror groups and their abettors who threaten the fundamental human right to life.

India said, the world must speak out as silence only emboldens terrorists and also encourages their intimidatory tactics.

Ms Singh said, the world should call out those who are misusing the UNHRC platform for malicious political agendas under the garb of human rights.

Without naming Pakistan, She said, those who are attempting this speak on the human rights of minorities in other countries whilst trampling upon them at will in their own country. She said, they cry victim when they actually are the perpetrators.

India reiterated that as a responsible member of the international community, it firmly believes in a constructive approach to promote and protect human rights. India said it’s a commitment to democracy is unshakable and this is appreciated globally.

On the National Register for Citizens, Ms Singh said, it is a statutory, transparent, non-discriminatory legal process mandated and monitored by the Supreme Court of India and any decision that is taken during the process of its implementation will comply with Indian Law and will be consistent with India’s democratic traditions.